swing 1 of 2

1
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction thinking that we were being followed, we abruptly swung to the left at the next intersection swing right at James St.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to turn
to change the course or direction of (something) at the sound of gunfire, the cavalry officer swung his horse around and galloped rapidly back to the fort

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis he swung the bat as hard as he could but he missed the ball don't let the wind swing that gate shut

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5
as in to hang
to place on an elevated point without support from below beach towels swung up to dry on the lifeguard's high chair

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

swing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swing are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When might fluctuate be a better fit than swing?

Although the words fluctuate and swing have much in common, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use oscillate instead of swing?

The words oscillate and swing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When could sway be used to replace swing?

While in some cases nearly identical to swing, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can undulate be used instead of swing?

In some situations, the words undulate and swing are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Where would vibrate be a reasonable alternative to swing?

The meanings of vibrate and swing largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

In what contexts can waver take the place of swing?

While the synonyms waver and swing are close in meaning, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of swing
Verb
Down in June after an outstanding May, the Minnesota Twins shortstop continues to appreciate the process of figuring it out and unlocking his best swing. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Monday’s strike comes several months after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a comprehensive decade-long plan to overhaul the institution, with upgrades to its aging infrastructure that aim to alleviate issues such as water leaks, temperature swings, and the sheer volume of visitors. Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 18 June 2025
Noun
The man retreated backward as Washington swung the blade at him, the complaint said. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025 Its hardware—a simple box-and-hinge that can take just four screws and 15 minutes to install at the top of the door—can let a home, office or hotel make doors swing open hands-free. Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for swing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swing
Verb
  • The fatal flight’s initial trajectory in the air is also somewhat typical and does not deviate significantly from the previous seven Air India Flight 171 departures from Ahmedabad, according to historical flight data.
    Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The image had shown a dessert dramatically deviating from the typical McDonald's serving, yet presented without explanation—leaving much to speculation.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • By 1913 Henry Ford’s moving-belt assembly line cut build time to 93 minutes, and cheap Texas oil kept the tank full, turning personal mobility from luxury to the default setting.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025
  • The former athlete posted a pair of throwback photos on his Instagram Stories in honor of the Prince of Wales turning 43 on June 21.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Our Senate and representatives are all manipulating their own power rather than running the country.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 18 June 2025
  • But the lesson of the ’74 Act is clear: Absent congressional will, lawmakers inevitably will find ways to manipulate their own rules to make deficits even worse.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • But internal controls, like segregation of duties, dual approvals or rotating high-risk job functions, don’t signal distrust.
    Toby Braun, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Flay was among the rotating celebrity chefs who competed with Burrell, appearing in four seasons.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Beats Pill Deals The new Beats Pill is compact, water-resistant, and loud enough to hold its own at a backyard hang or beach day.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 25 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, licenses hung for display on her wall were for a temporary foster care with a capacity of one, police said.
    Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The rear deck affords gob-smacking vistas out over the infinity pool and spa, while the scenic covered terrace features an alfresco lounge and dining area.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
  • In addition to the academic preparation, private schools’ smaller class sizes afford students more personalized support and guidance from teachers and college counselors.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The ensuing Stonewall protests are considered the birth of the modern gay rights movement.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • The fact that our rabbi traveled to Selma and stood shoulder to shoulder with the leaders of the Civil Rights movement was inspirational.
    Dr. Richard Fichman, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • In 2021, automakers faced one such shift when the European Commission passed legislation requiring a 55 percent reduction in the continent’s greenhouse-gas emissions within five years.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 21 June 2025
  • Monochrome doesn’t have to mean identical swatches—slight shifts in tone and an interplay of patterns, like gingham or small-scale florals, can create dimension and prevent the room from feeling one-note.
    Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swing. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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